By Abdulrahman Aliagan,
Nigeria’s apex court, the Supreme Court of Nigeria, on Tuesday reserved judgment in a high-stakes leadership dispute involving the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), following the hearing of multiple appeals and cross-appeals arising from earlier court decisions.
The appeals stem from judgments of the Court of Appeal, which upheld earlier rulings of the Federal High Court, Abuja Division, delivered by Justices Omotosho and Lifu. The lower courts had nullified the party’s convention held in Ibadan and affirmed the suspension of key party figures, including Samuel Anyanwu and A.K. Ajibade, SAN.
Dissatisfied with the outcome, the PDP approached the Supreme Court, arguing that both the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal lacked jurisdiction to entertain the matter, maintaining that the dispute arose strictly from the internal affairs of the party.
On the other hand, Senator Anyanwu and other affected parties filed a cross-appeal, urging the apex court to overturn aspects of the judgment, particularly those affirming their suspension and that of other former party officers.
At the proceedings, all parties adopted their respective legal processes before the Supreme Court, after which the court reserved judgment to a date yet to be communicated to counsel.
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, the PDP expressed optimism that the apex court would deliver a verdict that upholds democratic principles and strengthens Nigeria’s multi-party system.
The party also cautioned against any development that could undermine political plurality, warning of the dangers of a drift toward a one-party state. It urged its members nationwide to remain steadfast and hopeful as they await the court’s final decision.
The forthcoming judgment is expected to have far-reaching implications for the PDP’s leadership structure and the broader political landscape ahead of future electoral contests.